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Polymorphism in the interleukin-1 gene complex and spontaneous preterm delivery
Mehmet R Genç1, Stefan Gerber, Mirjana Nesin
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, USA. mgenc@partners.org
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|July 13, 2002
Summary
Genetic variations in the interleukin-1 beta gene (IL1B+3953) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene (IL1RN) are linked to preterm delivery risk in African and Hispanic populations, respectively.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Obstetrics
- Immunology
Background:
- Preterm delivery is a significant global health concern.
- Genetic factors may influence pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth.
- Interleukin-1 beta (IL1B) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) are key inflammatory mediators with roles in pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific gene polymorphisms (IL1B+3953 and IL1RN intron 2) and spontaneous preterm delivery.
- To determine if fetal carriage of certain alleles increases the risk of preterm birth.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed.
- 52 pregnancies with spontaneous preterm delivery before 34 weeks gestation and 197 term deliveries were analyzed.
- Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis were used to genotype IL1B and IL1RN polymorphisms.
Main Results:
- Homozygous carriage of IL1B+3953 allele 1 in fetuses of African descent was associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery (P=.033).
- Fetuses of Hispanic descent carrying IL1RN allele 2 showed an increased risk for preterm premature rupture of membranes and subsequent preterm delivery (P=.021; OR=6.5).
Conclusions:
- Fetal carriage of IL1B+3953*1 allele is associated with spontaneous preterm delivery in African populations.
- Fetal carriage of IL1RN*2 allele is associated with spontaneous preterm delivery in Hispanic populations.